Richard Armitage is to return to Sky1 as former SAS operative John Porter in a second series of Strike Back.

Stuart Murphy, the Sky1 controller, has ordered a second 10-part series of the drama following this year's first run.

Armitage stars as Porter, a former special forces soldier now working for British intelligence. Strike Back was adapted from the novel by Chris Ryan.

The new series is being made by independent producer Left Bank Pictures.

Andy Harries, the Left Bank founder and chief executive, said: "Sky are leading the market with confidence. This is the kind of commission that gives Left Bank Pictures the opportunity to push boundaries and take the series into the international marketplace. Elaine Pyke [Sky1 head of drama] and Stuart Murphy recognise that British drama is a huge asset and their belief and commitment in UK production companies is to be applauded."

Dan Percival will write and direct the first two episodes and Andrew Benson will produce the series. Both worked on series one.

• To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediaguardian.co.uk or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000.

• If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".